A CHILDREN'S nursery which was targeted by arsonists for the third time in 11 months is hiring security guards and installing CCTV, according to police.

Police said the Little People's nursery, in Piccadilly Road, Burnley, was taking steps to deter the attacks by also installing shutters on its windows along with the other measures.

Inspector Vicky Corken said: "We do not know if the nursery is being intentionally targeted.

"They are getting shutters, a security guard with a private security firm.

"They are also installing CCTV.

"We are continuing to investigate the attack."

A window was smashed with a brick some time between 12.30am and 1am on Thursday and a bottle of accelerant thrown into the nursery.

Eyewitness spotted the blaze, soon after it is thought to have been started, and reported it to the emergency services.

The blaze was quickly contained by Burnley firefighters after causing damage to the reception area, carpets and fixtures.

Crime scene officers and the fire service were due to visit the nursery yesterday (Thursday) afternoon, according to police.

The nursery, which cares for 70 youngsters ranging from new-born babies to five-year-olds, was targeted by arsonists twice last February.

The first attack, where a plastic bottle of flammable liquid was thrown into the property, caused £5,000 worth of damage on Saturday February 10.

The second attack, on February 22, forced the nursery to close for six months, after the fire caused extensive heat and smoke damage.

No one at the nursery was prepared to make a comment on the incidents.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 01282 425001.